4 interceptions help Dolphins beat Darnold and Jets, 13-6

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Rookie linebacker Jerome Baker intercepted Sam Darnold and scored the only touchdown on a 25-yard return with 11 minutes left, and a resilient defense helped the Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets 13-6 on Sunday.

Darnold threw four interceptions and took four sacks, and the Jets went 2 for 13 on third down.

The hobbled Dolphins endured another wave of injuries, but their defense was much improved after three consecutive poor games, with the quality of the opposition certainly a factor.

Darnold tried to rally his sputtering team from a 6-3 deficit, but following a punt he took a high snap and made an ill-advised throw to tight end Eric Tomlinson. Baker stepped in front for his first career interception and scored untouched.

T.J. McDonald and Walt Aikens made interceptions to end the Jets’ final two possessions.

The Dolphins (5-4) broke a two-game losing streak and won for only the second time in the past six games. Coach Adam Gase improved to 5-1 against the Jets, including two wins this year.

The Jets (3-6) lost their third in a row and have scored 33 points during the skid. They’ve dropped nine of their past 10 road games dating to 2017.

Darnold went 21 for 39 for 229 yards and a passer rating of 31.8. He came into the game tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions.

Cameron Wake helped lead Miami’s defensive charge with two sacks, increasing his season total to three. Rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick was an effective replacement for Reshad Jones at safety for a team that had allowed 102 points the previous three weeks.

Miami had only seven first downs and 168 yards, but Brock Osweiler improved to 2-2 as a starter filling in for the injured Ryan Tannehill. Osweiler went 15 for 24 for 139 yards and took four sacks, but committed no turnovers.

INJURY REPORT

Dolphins: LT Laremy Tunsil (knee) left in the fourth quarter. … RT Ja’Wuan James (knee) departed in the first half, but later returned. … CB Bobby McCain was evaluated for a concussion. … DE Robert Quinn limped off in the field in the closing minutes.

Jets: Backup LB Tarell Basham (knee) left the game in the second half.